[macsurees]

Hi all,


I am thinking about buying a Direct TV instead of RPTV. Initially I was thinking about Hitachi 51SWX20B, but the price is higher and I can't afford right now. I mostly watch local TV channels, not much DVD. Because of that I thought I can go with cheaper, but still HDTV ready direct TV and found that Panasonic has CT36HL42 with good price. I couldn't find any reviews on the internet and thought that this is the place to get the review. Please let me know how you like it and also advice me if I am making a wrong decision here. The plan is to go for this direct TV and later after 5 or 6 years, once the Plasma's price comes down, I will buy one of them as WS HDTV.


thanks

macsp

 

[jeff lam]

Still no squeeze feature for 480i/p sources on this TV. So you will not be able to take full advantage of anamorphic DVD when you want to. I would suggest the Sony HS or XBR series. They are much better than the panasonic and also inclide DVI. In the time frame you specified some of these features may be of use to you. Then after the 5 years you can get a 16x9 HD plasma that will be unbelievable!

 

[macsurees]

Jeff,


Thanks for your comment. NOw I am re-thinking about this TV. If you don't mind, can you explain to me what is DVI and what is used for and how important it is? I am looking into sony KP-46WT500 tv. do you have any feedback on this. I am here in toronto, not up to the level of US yet in HDTV


thanks

 

[jeff lam]

There are lot's of discussions on DVI. Basically it is a digital connection from source to TV that will allow you to get full bandwith, but may be implamented by TV and film studios to be the only method able to pass a true HD signal. They want to use this connection to keep people from recording HDTV. Which can be done with component connections. Do a search and you will find much more info.

 

[smptc73]

The HL series of Panny TVs have the squeeze for 16x9 material.


"Panasonic's built-in Progressive Scan Doubler converts non-HDTV signals to progressive scan (480p), giving images a smoother, more 3-dimensional appearance. Like most "line-doublers," it is most effective on DVD, but it can also make an ordinary analog cable TV signal look noticeably better. When the CT-36HL42 detects a 1080i HDTV signal, it automatically displays it in a widescreen 16:9 window."

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...=0&cc=01&avf=N


It's the HX series that doesn't.


I don't personally own a Panasonic, but do have a friend that owns a 36HX41 and he loves it.


I believe that this summer that the HL Series Panny will have a DVI input, so if you're considering it, I'd hang on for a couple of months.


It's a TV to consider for those with less room to fit in spaces the XBR can't and for wallets that aren't as deep.

 

[jeff lam]

Quote:

When the CT-36HL42 detects a 1080i HDTV signal, it automatically displays it in a widescreen 16:9 window.

Yes it squeezes 1080i but not 480i or 480p, so basically all DVD's will be viewed at a loss of 33% resolution. The 2001 model HX did squeeze a 480i/p signal OK but not the 2002 model(HX or HL).


If you have to have panasonic, then would also consider waiting and see if the new 2003 models are any better.

 

[macsurees]

Thanks for your input guys. I think I will go with Sony KP46WT500 model, but not sure.


macsp

 

[chrisb1]

I was considering the Panny 36 as well, the only real reason is that it is the only one that will fit into my cabinet. The sony and toshiba are both a little too wide. That, and also the hx41 is only 1299 right now.

 

[Pocatello]

My local stores have the Sony KP46WT500 for $1,799 with a free DVD player, the free Sony stand, and a 2 year warranty (instead of the one year).